Why might a patient with atrial fibrillation require the use of a pacemaker?

A pacemaker may be required for a patient with atrial fibrillation primarily to address a slow heart rate or other abnormal rhythms that can occur as a complication of the condition. Atrial fibrillation often leads to an irregular and sometimes rapid heartbeat, but in some cases, the heart rate can slow down significantly when the atrial fibrillation is treated or when heart block occurs. This slow heart rate, known as bradycardia, may not provide adequate blood flow to meet the body’s needs, resulting in symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, or fainting.

A pacemaker can help regulate the heart's rhythm by sending electrical impulses to prompt the heart to beat at an appropriate rate. While ensuring regular heartbeats is a function of a pacemaker, the focus is more on correcting the specific issue of bradycardia or other arrhythmias rather than just maintaining regularity. Therefore, the primary rationale for the use of a pacemaker in this context is to correct the slow heart rate or abnormal heart rhythms that may develop in patients with atrial fibrillation.